Caring for a chinchilla
About feeding, housing, enrichment, and veterinary care for chinchillas
Last updated 13 January 2026
Nutrition for a chinchilla
Chinchillas are herbivores. Provide fresh clean water daily, and feed appropriate diets.
(Approximately 80% of diet) High-fiber, low calcium grass hay, such as timothy and orchard grass hay for adults.
Younger chinchillas can be fed with alfalfa hay which has higher calcium and protein content. Feeding too much alfalfa hay to adults can lead to obesity and other health-related issues.
Some fresh vegetables such as dark leafy greens. Make sure to research on which vegetables are safe for your chinchilla.
A small amount of commercial pellets.
Enclosure for a chinchilla
Their enclosures should reflect their natural behaviour as closely as possible, and provide them opportunities to do so.
Cage size and type
Provide enough vertical space for them to move and climb around.
Accessories
Provide adequate hiding spaces and comfortable bedding.
Compatibility with other animals
Chinchillas are social animals and should ideally by housed together with other chinchillas of the same sex.
Environment
Provide a sturdy, solid flooring to prevent bumblefoot.
Enrichment for a chinchilla
Provide plenty of opportunities for your chinchillas to exhibit their normal behaviours such as climbing, foraging, bathing and chewing/gnawing.
Veterinary care for a chinchilla
Bring your chinchillas to the vet for regular health checks.
Seek medical help if you observe any signs of illness in your chinchillas, such as:
Lethargy
Inappetence
Abnormal breathing
Abnormal or no faecal droppings and/or urine
Bloated abdomen
Head tilt/shaking
Lameness
Overgrown teeth and nails
